An interesting if somewhat dated viewpoint of the ideas and theories behind gorilla warfare and revolution. Historically it was a good read.

Permalink · Is this review helpful? Yes | NoThank you for your feedback.

hadriantheblind

As out of date as this book is, it is still of use for a historical and psychological look at the tactics of the guerrilla warrior.

Che's basic principles are simple - any guerrilla force, if properly trained and motivated and with popular support, can overthrow an unpopular repressive government and replace it with one which represents the popular will. Che's record was 1 for 3. Cuba being an unequivocal success, with the Congo less so, and Bolivia ending in his own death.

Some of his principles on tactics are long since out of date. The US Army no longer uses M1 Garands. Any practitioner of night warfare must note its difficulty ever since the invention of night-vision goggles, IR vision, and satellite imagery. However, some were out of date even on publication. I doubt that napalm and air strikes are an 'inconvenience'.

Nevertheless, many broad principles remain true. Become popular with the people through propaganda and good behavior. Move constantly. Out-endure the enemy, fire up the grievances against them. Attack supply lines and convoys with explosives.

What, then, is a counter-insurgent to do against such an army? I, a mere student of humanity, offer these few scattered suggestions.

-Maintain positive relations with the population at ALL COSTS-Establish areas where the population feels secure, and systematically expand them-Substantively address any economic/social grievances through investment in infrastructure, education, etc.-Have a means for the population to voice grievances peacefully (democracy)-Have competent governance-Have a solid and reliable means of gathering intelligence, whether HUMINT, SIGINT, or alternates-Have total control of the air-Establish basic economic services, make the people feel more secure with the counterinsurgency present

All easier said than done. And what should the counterinsurgency avoid?

-Do NOT have an external occupier as the main force for counterinsurgency (See the average Libyan's view of the United States versus the average Afghan's)-Do NOT coerce or intimidate the people-Do NOT cause excess collateral damage-Do NOT loot/steal/pillage supplies from the local population (Ex: See the 'Three-Alls' policy of the Imperial Japanese Army for what not to do)-Do NOT forcibly move/resettle the civilian population. This will stir up resentment-Failure in adapting to changes in tactics, communication, propaganda-Above all, do NOT make your force appear to be the greater threat than the insurgents are.

For all of the book's flaws, it is still an interesting read - the psychology and the mind of the resistance fighter is similar, although the tactics are long since changed.

Permalink · Is this review helpful? Yes | NoThank you for your feedback.

mamorico

The definitive "how-to" guide for revolution.

Permalink · Is this review helpful? Yes | NoThank you for your feedback.

jscape2000

Neither useful as a historical document of the Cuban Revolution, nor as a blue print for rural revolution (Che was unable to replicate his Cuban success in South America or Africa), Guerrilla Warfare is a book that would have long ago been relegated to the dustbin of history, if the face of the most marketable communist in history didn't adorn the dust-jacket. Skip it.

Permalink · Is this review helpful? Yes | NoThank you for your feedback.

terryd0hooker

A classic work from the early 1960's, by an Argentine Doctor in the service of Cuba and freedom? Never needed to read it, although I do need it as a reference book just in case I do. This edition has drawings in the text.

Permalink · Is this review helpful? Yes | NoThank you for your feedback.